Summer Season Kicks Off In Grand Style

PINE-STRAWBERRY

The somewhat quiet weekend after the very busy Memorial Day weekend allows both full-time residents and visitors time to relax, wander through the shops and galleries in Pine and Strawberry, enjoy a good meal at one of the restaurants and visit the museum and Strawberry schoolhouse.

Happenings

The first of the POW Escape films will be shown Monday, June 2 in the Cultural Hall at the Pine Community Center. "The One that Got Away" (1958), starring Hardy Kruger, is the incredible story of German fighter ace Franz von Werra's escape from POW camps in Britain and Canada. Admission is free.

The kick-off for "Light, Camera, Read", the children's summer reading program at the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Library in Pine, is at 10 a.m., June 4, at the Cultural Hall at the Pine Community Center. Make edible jewelry and register for the summer program. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend and discover the fun in this interesting program. Call the library at 476-3678 for more information.

The Rim Country Kiwanis of Pine is having a rummage sale Saturday, June 7. If you have items to donate, please call Larry Mason at 476-2227.

The Strawberry Patchers Quilt Show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 6 and 7 at the Pine Cultural Hall. More than 100 quilts will be on display, as well as a boutique with hand-crafted items. Buy chances to win the "Storm at Sea" opportunity quilt and experience the quilt-making process. $1 admission for adults. Children are free.

Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival Committee has been cleaning strawberries and cooking up a storm in preparation for the big weekend coming up June 7 and 8. You can find Strawberry Chutney, Sweet Cucumber/ Strawberry Relish, their award winning Strawberry/Jalapeño Jelly, Strawberry Salsa and the ever-popular and refreshing Strawberry Sparkle. Other favorites like Strawberry shortcake also will be available. The Strawberry Festival is a two-day event this year for the first time. The majority of the 75-plus vendors will be there both days.

The Strawberry Jam Music Fest is the highlight of the second day of the festival with ongoing music and fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. John Carpino kicks off the music fest at 10 a.m. A favorite in the area, he has been voted Best of Payson for band/musician in a reader's poll for seven consecutive years. He has that special ability of creating and maintaining a great rapport with the audience. His first love is songwriting and hopefully, those attending will hear some new compositions.

Trouble in Paradise with Barb and Chuck, a violin and guitar duo originally from Kansas City and now residents of Pine, appear at 11:15 a.m. They are part of the core group for the very popular "Old-Time Fiddlers" that gathers once a month at the Pine Community Center. They will play some country, some classic rock, a little blues and lots of jazz.

Endorphin takes the stage at 1 p.m. followed by The Silver Star band at 2:30. In between all this great music, there will be lots of jamming. So if you play an instrument, bring it. Otherwise, bring a blanket or chair and spend the day. There will be lots of festivities, fun and food each day.

Also, signed posters from the poster contest will be available for sale. These are sure to be collector's items. Strawberry Cookbooks will also be available.

Join the fun and volunteer for a couple of hours at the Strawberry Festival. Call Clarice at 468-6956.

Warning

Do remember: The fire danger is extremely high. Be very careful with cigarettes or any flame. Also, water is in short supply. We can all figure out how to save a few gallons here and there. Every gallon counts.

For more information or to provide information about an event in Pine or Strawberry. Please call or fax me at (928) 476-2239 or e-mail cpwrather@earthlink.net.